Page 96 of Cash

“Livi,” Petey says, stopping her movement and gaining her attention.

“Don’t know why we haven’t been seeing you around lately, and it’s not really my business to know. But even if Cash fucked up, which he probably did because he was born with testicles, you’re still someone I consider a friend. Don’t be a stranger at the bakery. Ava and Trudy miss seeing you too.”

“Jesus, Petey,” I mutter while the other men laugh.

“I’ll do that, Petey. Thank you. Sorry tonight turned out the way it has,” Livi answers quietly.

“I can’t say that I am, Livi. Maybe this is exactly what Axel needed to realize her leaving wasn’t his fault in any way. I am sorry you had to deal with her wrath, though.”

“No worries, Petey. Vengeful ex-wives are my specialty,” Livi says with a laugh.

“Any chance you caught that tackle on video?” Trigger asks with a smirk.

“I’ll look into that for you,” James says with a laugh.

“A word, Livi?” I ask.

I watch as she hesitates a few beats before nodding and walking to the front of the patrol unit. I follow and then allow my eyes the pleasure of seeing her again. I’ve missed this woman, this face.

“We need to talk, Kitten,” I say in a low voice.

I see her flinch at my pet name for her, and I have a moment of self-hatred. Given the chance, I’ll fix this between us. I’ll use my words, explain everything and do it the right way this time. Livi’s far more important to me than I’ve ever allowed myself to acknowledge. I want her in mine and Liam’s life, and I’ve finally realized just how much I want it.

“Yeah, we do,” she agrees.

*~*~*~*

The following day at work, Axel’s quieter than ever. He’s going through the motions, but it’s clear last night’s events have taken a toll on him. Everyone, including clients, are watching him closely and are obviously confused. No one is used to seeing a quiet Axel.

Thinking about all that was said last night, I better understand Axel’s need to keep his daughter close. His mother’s decision to divorce herself from her son along with her husband has had a lasting effect on Axel. He’s obviously doing everything in his power to keep his daughter from ever feeling unwanted by her parent.

Taking a break, I lean against the wall and drink from my water bottle. I watch Axel make his way across the gym until he’s in the same position next to me. After a few quiet moments, he speaks.

“What went down after I left last night?”

“Club decided against pressing charges, but Livi arrested her anyway for assault and resisting arrest. Livi wanted you to know she’s sorry if that makes things hard on you, though,” I answer.

“It doesn’t. Betty deserves whatever she gets. Livi wasn’t injured, was she?”

“No.”

“You going to fix things with Livi?” Axel asks bluntly.

“Yep.”

“Good to hear, brother. She’s good people,” Axel states sincerely.

Our conversation is interrupted when Bailey rushes up to Axel’s side and gives him big eyes. On her heels is Candy with a determined look on her face.

“What’s up, baby?” Axel asks as he slings his arm over Bailey’s shoulders and pulls her tight.

“I’ll let Candy explain,” Bailey answers, still with the big eyes.

Arms crossed over her chest, feet planted wide, Candy speaks.

“I want to fight your woman.”

“Why the hell would you want to do that?” Axel barks.

---